Mamaw and Papaw. Granny and Pops. Mams and Paps. Grandma and Grandpa. Nan and Pop. They are all something very special, something that cannot be compared. They are memory makers of the best times, and the hardest. They know which heart strings to pull and when someone they love needs a little extra care.

At Mamaw’s house, there are slim rules and short naps. Toys are strewn about and dust is of the nevermind. Time is better spent creating homemade happiness than worrying about nonsense. Snacks are galore and smiles are easily made. Everything is rainbows and fairytales at grandma’s, especially after a few tears have been shed.

Granddad’s ears are best made for listening and his hands for teaching. With their own children the time was rushed, lessons were taught but not always in the most sympathetic way. Now, with age, they have learned that life is in need of a slow down and soaking in those rays of love and laughter as they come are worth every moment.

A fence to mend or beans to break, with Grams and Pops, that’s just a few hours of giggles and dirty hands, and toes, and shoes, and clothes. The love they seek is handed so freely as it has been righteously earned from the puppy eyes that cherish them so dearly.

There, our parents childhoods remain, but ours are only born. Adventures await and mysteries are explored. Cousins become best friends; friends become siblings. Its all for one and one for all at Papaw’s. Those rough lips created of sunrays and sugar can be a band aid for any ouchy or boo boo or broken heart. An arms reach for a warm eloquent hug make all worries fade. The worn front porch rocker is a place of secrets and stories that will long to be remembered as the days dwindle.

A stool scooted to Mamaw’s counter covered in flour and dough will pan out the tastiest biscuits and sweetest giggles, all with built in traditions for life. A ride on Papaw’s lap on the old John Deere will win the hearts of all the little farm babies. They’ll be hooked on the farm and the lifestyle it brings.

All things as they pass are special but not nearly as much of a gift as when they are no longer a hop and a jump away. A luxury that has been taken from so many of us is that of the security we find at Grandma and Grandpa’s.

Time settles and memories fade, well, some memories. Others live so lively in the heart that they beat so real it seems like just yesterday. A scent, a sound, a glimpse, is all it takes to remember a ride down the old dirt path to Mamaw and Papaw’s little farmhouse of love and welcomeness to all.